Thermoplastic matrix are plastic polymers that can be moulded at certain high temperature and solidify once are cooled, however, they can be reheated, recycled, and remoulded endlessly, this property is what makes them repairable and even recyclable. On the other hand, thermosets resins are infusible and insoluble polymers, which are consolidated by curing process of the resin through a non-reversible chemical change, while thermoplastic composites are solidified through a reversible thermal curing process.
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Thermoplastic composites have countless applications, although they are limited in high temperature applications. They are used in many sectors such as automotive and road transportations, aerospace, marine transportations and ship building, railway vehicles and infrastructure, sports goods, medical and prosthetics, building and civil engineering, defence and security, design, and furniture, and more. You can find thermoplastic compounds in wind turbines, a hockey stick, your computer case, the dashboard of your car, your motorcycle helmet, at airplane seats, race cars, skateboards, in the bike, in the prostheses…
One of the main advantages of working with thermoplastic materials is their high impact resistance, compared to the brittle of thermosets. They offer high quality aesthetic finish, avoiding porosity and lack of resin, achieving uniformity throughout the piece. Besides, they have good adherence to metals, good electrical insulation and resistance to chemicals and detergents.
Thermoplastics stand out for their unlimited or long shelf life. On the contrary, thermosets have a limited storage life prior to curing due to the presence of chemical cross-linkages across the molecular structure, which are affected by environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature, therefore they need to be stored properly in a dry and cryogenic environment.
On the other hand, thermoplastic have a shorter processing time and are well suited for high-volume rate production, while thermosets need a prolonged curing time. In addition, thermoplastic have a lower manufacturing cost, because they can be produced with shorter stamping or thermoforming processes, reducing times, and avoiding manual processes of filing and polishing resin leftovers.
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Moreover, thermoplastics can be transported in regular conditions without the need to use a special vehicle with a dry and cryogenic environment. While thermosets need a proper conditionate transport to avoid early curing.
Thermoplastics can be remoulded once are heated, and once are cooled they restore their rigid structure. Therefore, they are recyclable. However, thermosets are permanently change and become “set” in a new configuration once exposed to heat, therefore, they are not recyclable.
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Thermoplastics are ductile and can withstand high impact, making them ideal for demanding environments. Engineers design them for impact resistance, and they prove effective against dents, chips, cracks, splinters, and wear.
Their high tensile strength ensures structural integrity under repeated stress or heavy loads, reducing service calls and component replacements in even the most demanding applications.
In high-traffic settings like hospitals or schools, this durability helps facilities save on long-term maintenance costs.
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At SEKISUI KYDEX, we mix color directly into the plastic material during production. This ensures a consistent finish that extends throughout the entire thickness of the product. Our through-color manufacturing approach eliminates the need for painting or surface coating. It also helps maintain appearance even after cutting, forming, or abrasion.
If you’re producing detailed parts through injection molding, this method will maintain consistency across every component. It enhances durability by preventing surface wear from exposing a different base color beneath.
SEKISUI KYDEX offers a wide variety of custom colors and finishes. These include high-gloss and matte textures, as well as metallic and patterned effects. Most thermoplastics can also be custom color matched, delivering the ideal product hue without compromising performance.
This capability is especially valuable in applications such as transportation interiors, retail displays, and consumer products. Designers keep visual consistency, branding, and wear resistance in mind when working with these thermoplastics.
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Our thermoplastics deliver exceptional surface durability across a broad range of environments. The majority of our material types are stain—and chemical-resistant. In addition to offering excellent abrasion resistance, we have high-performance thermoplastics. This prevents surface damage from repeated contact, friction, or rough handling.
These thermoplastics maintain their original color when exposed to industrial cleaners or harsh solvents. Certain compounds are also graffiti—and high-temperature resistant, making them ideal for outdoor and other applications.
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SEKISUI KYDEX materials are recyclable and contain no plasticizers or VOCs, making them an environmentally sound solution. Manufacturers can often reprocess scrap material to make new products. Thermoforming manufacturing processes do not outgas VOCs or create any hazardous waste to dispose of.
Their long lifespan reduces waste and makes thermoplastics a safer choice for the environment and workplace air quality. They also support end-of-life repurposing and life-cycle design.